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APPARATUS P0P. REG ORDING AND REPRODUGING SOUNDS.

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l APPARATUS POR RECORDING AND REPRODUGING SOUNDS. No. 341,288. PatentedMayr/1; .1886;

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S. TAINTER.

APPARATUS PDD RECORDING AND RDPRDDDGING SOUNDS. No. 341,288. PatentedMay 4, 1886.

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APPARATUS PURREGORDING AND REPRODUGING SOUNDS.

No. 341,288. Patented May 4, 1886 (No Medel.)

NiTED STATES .PATENT OFF-Ice..

SUMNER TA'INTER, OF VASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

APPARATUS FOR RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SOUNDS.

SPECFEGATION forming pari; of Letters Patent No4 341,288, dated May4,1886.

Application filed December 4, 1885. Serial No. 184,655. (No model.)v

To @ZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, SUMNER TAINTER, a resident of \Vashington, in theDistrict ofOolumbia, have invented a new and useful Improvement inApparatus for Recording and Reproducing Sounds or Sonorons Vibrations,which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification. A

This invention has for its object to increase the general eliiciency ot'apparatus for recording and reproducing speech and other sounds,commonly known as phonographs;7 and it consists,principally, in thefoliowing improvements:

First. A new recordingilablet is employed. It consists of a hollowcylinder or tube ol' pa- `per,or other suitable n1aterial,coated withwax or wax -like composition, preferably a compound or mixture ofbeeswax and paraffine. The record is cut in the coating. The'advantagesof this form of tablet are that it may be very light while havingsufficient stiffness to retain its form and avoid the danger of crackingthc coating, thatit compact and adapted for transmission through themails or otherwise, that the recording'surl'ace is continuons, and thatit can very readily be placed on and removed from the holder by which itis snpported and rotated in recording and reproducing.

Second. The tablet-holder is made' in the form of a cylinder, over whichthe tubular tablet can be forced or slipped andfrom which it can beremoved as desired. This cylinder may be solid; but for lightness it ispreferably made hollow. lt is of metal, or may be of other solidmaterial. ft is journaled in bearings, and is provided with a crank orother means for rotating the same.

Third. VIn order to support the tablet-holder in the most solid manner,it is provided with a journal at each end, and the journals and bearingsare constructed to prevent end motion. It is made detachable from itssupport at one or both ends, in order to permit the placing and removalofthe tablet. It will be understood that any ordinary or suitable meansmay be used for this purpose; but it is preferred to use the means nextto be described.

Fourth. To facilitate the placing of the tablet on the holder and itsremoval therefrom,

and to avoid the removal of the tablet-holder from the machineframe whenthis operation is performed, a ball-journal fitting in a cup or socketbearing is employed at one end, (the other end being made detachablefrom the machine-frame) so that the holder can readily be tipped up andheld in that position while placingr or removing the tablet. The balljournal and socket-bearing prevent end inotion of the tablet-holder.

Fifth. Vith the object of further facilitatin g the placing and removalofthe tablet, the detachable end ofthe tablet-holder is held down bymeans of acatch or other device which can readily be released, and aspring is combined with the holder in such a way as to raise thedetachable end thereof when theA catch is released.

Sixth. Thejournal at the detachable end of the tabletliolder, insteadol" resting directly upon the machine-frame,or a bearing attachedthereto, is provided with a box or sleeve which lits over the journaland forms the bearing therefor. This box or sleeve remains on thejournal when it is detached, and protects it from dirt, as well asprevents the lubricant on lthe journal from soiling the hands of theperson using the machine. The spring for raising the holder acts uponthis box,(a rod being interposed,) and the journal is relieved of itspressure. Another advantage which the use of this box or sleeve gives isthat if the two bearings in the machinel'rame are not precisely in linethe box or sleeve may adj ust itself properly without jamming thejournal. The very slight space which always intervenes wheirtwo separateVpieces rest in contact will suiiice to compensate for the very slightirregularity in alignment which a careful workman would leave.

Seventh. For recording the sonorous vibrations in or on the tablet, andfor producing the sounds from the record, the recording or thereproducing instrument (called hereinafter recorder7 and reproducer,respectively) is moved lengthwise of the tablet by a screw, which isrevolved at a less speed than the tablet. Thus with a comparativeiycoarsethreaded screw the lines may be traced on the tablet very closetogether. Heretofore the lines were the same distance apartas th e threads of the screw.

Eighth. To enable the recorder and repro- IOO ducer readily to beapplied to and removed from the screw, so that one screw can be used forboth instruments, they are each provided with a divided or Vpartial nut,which engages the screw. To prevent the instrument from being disengagedaccidentally, a guard is or may be provided which can be slipped underthe screw when the instrument is in place, or be withdrawn when it isdesired to remove it. Both the reproducer and the recorder may have sucha guard but practically it is more important for the recorder.

Ninth. Instead of having the recorder and rcproducer mounted upon aslide moving in ways or guides,and connected with a screw for moving thesame, they are mounted on a earrier, which is not only engaged by saidscrew, but supported by the same,so as to be movable lengthwise of thescrew, and capable also of turning on it as on a liournal. lhns devicesheretofore considered necessary are dispensed with and a movement of therecorder or reproducer toward and away from the tablet is provided for.

Tenth. It is often desirable, especially in reproducing, to stop the.operation of the machine temporarily. To enable this to be effectedinstantly without stopping' the main shaft ol' the machine, mechanism isprovided for putting the feed-screw out of action, and at the same timeautomatically lifting the instrument clear of the record. Heretoforeithas been necessary to stop the machine entirely. This is not desirable,because in stopping and restarting the machine a difference ill speed,which appears on the record or in the sounds reproduced, is almostcertainly made, particularly where a fly-wheel is used to givesteadiness of motion.

Eleventh. It is also desirable in reproducing to be able to repeat aword, a sentence, or paragraph. To effect this a reversing as well as astop mechanism is employed, so that by bringing said mechanism intoaction the niotion of the reproducer is reversed and the in strument isbrought back to the beginning of the part to be repeated, beingmeanwhile lifted clear of the record, which continues or may continue torevolve in the same direction at a uniform speed.

Twelfth. In order that the dept-h of the record may be unaffected bytheslight distortions ofthe recording-surface, (which it is very difficultto avoid, whether this surface be plane, as in the disk-tablet, orcylindrical, as in the improved form of tablet before indicated) therecorder is pressed toward the recordingtablet by yielding pressure,(such that of gravity or a spring,) and is provided with a rest, whichbears upon the tablet. The recording-style projects beyond this rest andis connected with a diaphragm or other known or suitable means forimpressing sonorous vibrations upon it independently of thc rest. Byhaving the recorder maintained always at a given distance from therecording-surface independently of t-he recording-style, it is possibleto cut effectively a shallower record than can be done otherwise,because if the recorder is held stationary the depth of the record mustalways be greater than the variations in the distance of therecording-surface due to the distortions thereof, and, on the otherhand, if the yielding pressure of the recorder is borne by the style itwill, if heavy enough for other purposes, press the style to a greaterdepth ythan is otherwise necessary. The use of the rest thus relievesthe recording-style of pressure, and enables it to be mounted more sensitively and to be made lighter, while at the same time and for a likereason its amplitude of vibration under a given impulse and consequentlythe strength of the record are iucreased. The rest could, of course, beused with any ordinary or suitable mode of mounting the style.

Thirteenth. To regulate the depth of the record the rest is madeadjustable lengthwise of the recording-style.

Fourteenth. In order to secure the most sensitive mounting for therecordingstyle, the latter is made from a short piece of wire and isattached directly to a diaphragm, so as to be carried thereby, the meanspreferably employed being a screw-thread on the style, a nut of hardrubber engaging the same, and a disk or washer of hard rubber, betweenwhich and the nut the diaphragm is clamped.

Fifteenth. A sound conveycr or concentrator is used for the recorder,which concentrator comprises a daring mouth-piece of elliptical or ovalsection and a tapering tube forming a continuation thereof. Itis foundthat a mouth-piece which concentrates the sound is desirable lo increasethe strength of the record, that a mouth-piece which covers the nose isdesirable to convey the nasal as well as other vibrations, and that atapering tube is desirable to amplify and rc-enforee the sound-Waves. Itis found that the longer this tube is, within certain limits, thegreater its re-enforoemcnt of the sound; but that a too great lengthgives a hollow effect, as when words are spoken into an empty barrel.For the sake of lightness it is preferred to make the mouthipiece andtube of thin sheets of hard rubber, or of papel', or the like matcrial.Metal mouth-pieces and tubes have also been used with good effect.

Sixteenth. IVhere the record is cut in wax the little shavings or chipsare apt to cling to the record and have to be brushed off beforereproducing. This can be done by hand; but it is. not desirable to relywholly upon handbrushing, as too much care would have to be exercised toinsure that no particles adhere. The record is also liable to collectdust. To

avoid difficulty on these accounts without care on the part of the user,the reproducer is provided with a slnall brush, which bears upon thetablet and sweeps the record in advance of the reproducing-style. V

Seventeenth. The' record is not al ways'perfectly true or straight-thatis to say, the

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recording-style not only moves lengthwise or at right angles to therecording-surface, but has or is liable to .have a side vibration,whicl1of course is recorded in the tablet. These side vibrations produceerrors in reproducing unless means are provided for enabling thereproducing-style to move sidewise also. The mounting of the reproduceron a universal joint obviates the difficulty to a certain extent, butnot altogether satisfactorily, since the inertia due to thelarge mass ofthe reprodueer is too great for it to respond as quickly as required.The difficulty is in the present invention overcome much more thoroughlyby supporting the reproducing-style so that it, or at least the end incontact with the record, can move sidewise independently of thediaphragm or other device upon which it impresses the vibrations. y Thisfreedom to move sidewise can be secured by allowing the style to rockupon the end in contact with the diaphragm or other device behind, or bymaking the style in whole or in part of iiexible material, or bymounting it on a iiexible support, the flexibility of course heilig inthe requireddirection.

Eighteenth. In order to allow the reproducing-style the greatest freedomof side move ment, while insuring iis return to a central position, andwithout impairing to a serious extent its rigidity in other directions,a comparatively broad and thin stri p of spring metal, placed ou edge isconnected with or forms part of the reproducing-style. Such a strip isvery 'flexible to side pressures, but comparatively rigid to otherpressures. The strip is fastened to the diaphragm, or to the device uponwhich it is desired to impress the vibrations, or it is otherwise hingedso that it can impress vibrations ou said device; or said strip may berigidly connected with the frame ol' the reproducer and the style beliexibly connected with the outer end of the strip. Preferably thereproducing-style is fastened to the end of a thin metal strip parallelwith the width thereof, so as to form a hainmer-like arrangement, thestyle being the hammer-head. lt is apin or wire several times as thickas the metal strip. The vibrations are transmitted through thehannnerhead, the metal strip being attached to a spring, or it may beotherwise hinged to the frame of the reproducer.

Nineteenth. In transmitting the vibrations to the diaphragm it is foundthat with a rigid connection between the record and the diaphragmpronounced foreign vibrations are impressed upon the diaphragm or itssubstitute, producing scratching noises. These foreign noises can belessened without diminishing the reproduced speech to the same extent bythe interposition of a i'lat metal spring in such a way that whileserving as the means of communicating vibrations to the diaphragm It isprobable that this spring absorbs the Vibrations which l produce thescratching noises to the greatest extent,because they are more minuteand rapid than speech-vibrations. Heretofore a section of rubber tubinghas been interposed between the style and diaphragm; but it cannot bemade asjdelicate as a metal spring, and for other reasons, also, is notso advantageous. For example, it is believed that it does not transmitthe true vibrations of the record with as much clearness, the rubberloses its elasticity after a short time, andthe tubular form of springis less compact and less easily secured in place.

Twentieth. Another difiiculty in reproducing is the passage of the stylefrom one elevation of the recordto the next without'descending to thebottom of the space between. This causes a rattling sound, and sometimesmakes the reproduction unintelligible. 1t is overcome to auseful-extent, if not entirely, by combining with the style aquick-returning spring, by which the style will be pressed to the bottomof the record in the short space between two elevations. This springshould be of quicker return than the diaphragm. It is evident that thesaine spring may perform this function and also that of absorbing theforeign vibrations.

Twenty ii rst. The diaphragm is pressed against a concave seat whosewalls converge like the walls of a cone, or of a section of a sphere,ellipsoid, paraboloid, or the like toward an opening through which thesound can escape. Thus a space of the general shape of a plano-convexlens, or, taking into consideration the slight convexity of the innerside of the diaphragm of a concavoconvex lens, is formed behind t-hediaphragm. This form of space is found to convey the sounds better thanthe fiat space, such as customary in speakingtelephone receivers as wellas in the ordinary phonograph. This concave seat for the diaphragm isalso zulvantageous, as it makes the latter self-centering. A springbearing upon the diaphragm holds it in place and also strains it. Thisspring may or may not be employed for absorbing the foreign vibrations,or for giving a quick return to the style, or for both. The arrangementpreferably employed is to have a light ilat spring project above thediaphragm, a block (say otcork) being interposed between the spring andthe diaphragm and the style pressing against the end of the springashort distance beyond the block. The block may be secured in the mosteii'ective position or it may be left unfastened, so that it can beadjusted lengthwise ol' the spring to increase or diminish the partprojecting beyond the block or to bring it directly under the style. Inthis last position the loudest reproduction is obtained, but thescratching and rattling noises are also the most pronounced.

- Twenty-second. The diaphragm is preferably made of hard rubber, thismaterial having been found to give out purer sounds, the minute foreignvibrations being absorbed to a IOO 4 arrasa greater extent than withmica or metal, either of which and other materials also can be used withintelligible results.

Twenty-third. To protect the style from accidental injury, it isprotected by a guard, beyond which only the rubbing end or point of thestyle projects. As a further protection, the guard is curved outward oneither side of the style, forming horns, which, if the reproducer beplaced face down on a table, sustain the weight instead of allowing itto come on the style. The particular form of guard is of course onlysuitable for use with a cylindrical record. which can enter between thehorns to make Contact with the style.

Twenty-fourth. The sounds from the reproducer can be conveyed to the earin various ways; but preferably the space behind the diaphragm or othervibratory body is connected by a sound-conveyingtube with a doubleear-piece somewhat similar to a stethoscope. It consists of two elasticand flexible hollow branches provided each with a cup fastened to thebranch by a ball-and-soclzet joint. The cups fit over the ears and areheld against the head by the elasticity of the branches, the

universal joint allowing each cup to adjust itself to the head oftheuser.

Twenty-fifth. It is found desirable in reproducing to modify theloudness of the reproduced sounds according tothe sensitiveness of theear ofthe listener. This eifect can be produced by the adjustment of theblock between the spring and the diaphragm mentioned above under thetwenty-iirst head; but it is not always convenient or advantageous toproduce it in that way-41s,' for example, if two persons are listeningto the instrument at the same time. 'lo accomplish the desired object, astop-cock is placed in the sound-conveying tube between thereprodneer-diaphragm and the ear, so that by partially closing the samemore or less cl' the sounds can be cut off, as desired. \Vhere more thanone person is listening, each ofthe sound-conveyors may have itsown-stop-eock.

llwenty-sixth. When a device such as just described is used, or when anydevice is usedV which is to be held by the user, or to be placed closeto his ear, there is always a liability of the user pulling upon orjarring the reproducer, and il" this is not firmly secured of pulling itfrom the machine. To overcome this difficulty without interfering withthe traverse of the reprodueer in front of the record, a llexibleconnection adapted to convey sound, and at the same time not restrictthe traverse Vof the reproducer, is provided between the reprodncer anda tube or tubular coupling attached to the machine-frame. The ear-tubeor other deviceis connected with this tube or coupling, so that any pullor thrust comes upon the solid machine-frame, and will or may detach theear-tube rather than daniage the machine.

rlwenty-seventh. .In placing the reproducer on the screw it is desirableto hold the style away from the record until the reproducer is in placeon the screw, and in removing it to lift the style from the recordbefore attempting to remove the reproducer. The object is to preventinjury to the record. To eifect the desired result the standard of thereproducer is hinged to its base or carrier, and is provided with a tailor thumb piece, or some equivalent device, so that in grasping the baseor carrier the thumb or other part of the hand pressing upon said tailwill hold the reproducer away from the record. Upon release of the tailthe reproducer rests by its weight (which is preferably made very small)upon the record.

The invention further comprises certain special constructions,combinations, and ar- 'angements of parts, as hereinafter set forth,among which are included the conibination,in one machine, of the severalimprovements already indicated, orof two or more of them.

Having explained the principle of the invention, a description will nowbe given of what is considered the best mode of applying the same,reference being had to thc accom-I panying drawings, which form a partof this specification.

Figure 1 is a plan View of a machine or phonograph constructed inaccordance with the invention, the reproducer being shown in place andthe recorder omitted; Fig. 2, a vertical cross-section in elevation,looking to the right in Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a section in the plane of Fig.2, but in elevation, looking to the left, the recorder being shown inplace and its mouth-piece being broken away; Fig. 4i, a view similar toFig. 3, but with the reproducer in place instead of the recorder; Fig.5, a partial vertical longitudinal section on linearx ofFig. 2; Fig. 6,an elevation, partly in section, of a part of the left end of themachine. Fig. 7 is an elevation, partlyin section, of the recorder, itscarrier, and sound-concentrator; Fig. S, a top view (on a reduced scale)of the soundconeentrator of the recorder; Fig. 9, a central section ofthe recorder in a plane at right angles to those of Figs. 3 and 7,showing` the base or carrier in elevation, and Fig. 10 a section throughthe base or carrier of the recorder. Fig. 11 is a central verticalsection ofthe reproducer, its carrier, and certain accessory parts; Fig.12, a face view of the reproducer; Fig, 13, a perspective detail view;Fig. 14, a section through the base or carrier of the instrument; Fig.15, a section illustrating a modified form of style; Fig. 16, anelevation, partly in section, (on a reduced scale,) of a listeningdevice with double ear-pieces, and Fig. 17 a section IOO illustrating athird modification of the reproducer.

rllhe frame of the machine, as shown, consists of two upright sidepieces, 300 and 301, connected by tie-rods 302 and 303 and the tube 304,which serves as a tie-rod. The tabletholder 305, in the form of anelongated metal cylinder,is journaled in bearings at the top of the sidepieces. The right journal, 306, is ballshaped and rests in a socket,(see Fig. 5,) which permits the tablet-holder to be tilted up, asindicated in dotted lines, as well as to'be revolved, while endwisemotion is effectually prevented. The iiy-wheel 317, provided with acrank-handle, is mounted on aprolongation of the journal and serves torevolve the tabletholder. The left journal, 307,which is or may becylindrical, iits and revolves within a boX, 30S, which is held in placeon the journal by a screw, 309, in the end thereof. The box 308 isconfined between a seat on the side piece, 301, and the hinged cap 310,which is held down by the spring-catch 311, (see Fig. 6,) fastened atthe bottom in the plug 312, which is adj ustabl y retained in positionby the setscrew 313. The catch can be released at will by a push-pin,314. Below the journal 307 is a follower, 315, fitting into and movablein a holev in side piece, 301, acted upon by the spiralcompression-spring 316, placed below it in the hole. The boX-308 restsupon the top of the follower and relieves thejournal of all pressurefrom the spring 316 when the cap 310 is held down by the catch 311. Thispressure prevents the box turning. On releasing the catch 311 the spring316 expands and throws up the journal 307 and the cap 310, as shown inFig. 6. The cap can then be turned back and the tablet-holder be tippedup and held in an inclined position byahand on the iiy-wheel 317. Thetablet consists of an elongated hollow cylinder or tube, 318, of paperor pasteboardf-say one fortieth of an inch in thickness-coated with alayer about one-thirtieth (16) of an inch in thickness of acompoundofone part, by weight,ofwhite beeswax and two-parts ofparafiine. The beeswax and parafiine should be melted and stirredtogether, and then filtered, unless they are entirely free from sticks,dirt, and other foreign particles. The coat-ing is or may be applied bystopping the ends of the cylinder, partly immersing it in a bath of themelted composition and turning it therein one or more times, removing itand allowing the material to harden, keeping it in motion meanwhile toprevent running, then immersing and rotating it again, and allowing theadherent layer to harden, and so continuing until a coa-ting of rathermore than the thickinss above indicated is attained. The surface is thenturned smooth in a lathe,being supported on a cylinder like the tabletholder 305. The tabletis then ready for use by placing over the holder,or it may be kept until wanted. In keeping care should be taken toprevent access of dust. After the tablet has been placed on the holderthe detachable end of the latter is pressed down into its bearing, andthe cap 310 is engaged by the catch 31.1,which holds it down.

rllhe record is made on or in the wax coating of the tablet by theinstrument shown in Figs. 3 and 7 to 10. The diaphragm 320 (of mica,from six to twelve one-thousandths (TSW to of an inch in thickness) isheld screws project over the edge ofthe back plate.

The recording-style 326, formed of a steel wire (say,onethirty-second ofan inchin diameter) sharpened at the front or operating end, like anordinary round-pointed turning tool and screw threaded at the other, isfastened to the center of the diaphragm by the nut 327 and washer328,which are on opposite sides of the diaphragm; and clamp it betweenthem. The cutting-edge of the style is preferably shaped to cut a grooveof curved rather than of V-shaped cross-section. A bar, 329, is hingedat one end to the frame 321 by a pivot screw-pin, 385, and at the otheradjustably but rigidly fastened thereto by a screw, 330. A second screw,331, bearing at the point against the top of the bar 329, assists insecuring an exact adjustment and in holding the bar rigid. At the middleof the bar is an enlargement, 332, which extends into close proximity tothe recording-style (see Fig. 9) and whose bottom is polished or madesmooth, so that it may bear upon the waxcoated tablet and move over itwithout injury to the wax surface. The frame 321 is provided with a baseor carrier, 333, in the form of a half-nut. 1n use this nut is supportedand engaged by the rotator-y feed-screw334, which is journaled inbearings in the side pieces, 300 and 301. The base or vcarrier iselongated to give a sufficient bearing on the screw to prevent thetipping of the recorder sidewise. To assist in preventing this, and alsoto'prevent the carrier being lifted from the screw, a guard is provided,which consists of av block,335, attached to the end of a curved slide,336. This slide is guided by the piece 337, and can be turned from theposition shown in Fig. 7 when the guard does not interfere with theplacing of the carrier on the screw into the position shown in Figs. and10, when it prevents the removal. rllhecarrieris, however, free to turnon the screw, as on an axle, so that the recorder, under the action ofgravity,will press against the tablet, the bar 320 forming` a rest tosupport it. The recording-style projects beyond the rest and enters thewax coating, penetrating it a dist-ance which is regulated by theadjustment of said rest or bar 329. The sound-conveyer consists of anelliptical mouthpiece, 333, and a tapering tube,339, both made, forlightness, of hadrtlrubber, in thin sheetssay one-thirty-secoinl (g1g)of an inch thick. A metal thimble, 3-10, is attached to the small end ofthe tapering tube, which fits over a tubular projection, 34:1, on theback plate. The rotation of the feed-screw 33t moves the recorderlengthwise of the recording-tablet, and this movement, in connectionwith the rotation of the tablet, causes the style to trace a spiral linein the wax, which line becomes a soundrecord by talking into themouthpiece IOO' IIO

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33S, and thereby impressing sonorons vibrai intermediate 345.

tions upon the diaphragm and style. The style then cuts a variable line,whose irregularities or inequalities correspond to the sound to berecorded. The spiral linel can be omitted for a given distance,whendesired, by simply lifting the recorder from the tablet. The feed-screw334 should be so mounted as to prevent endwise movenient,which wouldtend to make the traced line more or less zigzag. As shown, a spring,342, (see Figs. 1 and 6,) presses constantly upon the left end of thescrew to keep it against the bearing at the opposite end. Thefeedscrewis revolved by the frictionwheels- (Shown in Figs. 1, 2, and5.) In recording, the friction-pinion 343 on the tablet-h oldercommunicates motion to the large wheel 344, fast on the feed-screw,through the Thus the feedscrew has a much slower rotation than thetablet-holder, and the eonvolutions of the line traced on the tablet areVYmuch closer together than the threads of the' feed-screw. Theintermediate 345 is mounted ou the stud 346, (see Fig. 5,) which iscarried by a hinged frame, so that the intermediate can be moved out ofcontact with the pinion whenever it is desired to stop the feed, withoutinterrupting the rotation of the tablet-holder. The hinged :frameconsists of side bars, 347, which are hingedseparably onthe tie'rod 302,and are rigidly connected with each other by tiebars 348 and 349. Aspring, 350, under each side bar tends to lift the frame and press theintermediate 345 against the pinion 343. The feed-screw is thereforenormally in engagement with the tablet-holder; but can be disengaged atwill by pressing upon the tie-bar 348. The fric` tion-wheels 351 and 352are for reversing the revolution of the feed-screw. The wheel or pinion352 is simply a hub on the side of the intermediate 345. The wheel 351presses against the pinion 352, and is mounted on a stud at the end ofbent lever 353, which turns upon the serew-stud 354 in line with thestud 346. (See Fig. 5.) The lever 353 thus turns about the axis of thewheel 352, and the wheel 351 may roll over the surface of the wheel 352,so as to be pressed against and thus engage the pinion 343 on thetablet-holder. The short arm of the bent lever is connected by a link,355, with the stud 356, itself secured fast to the side piece, 300.When, therefore, the tiebar 348 and side bars, 347, are depressed, thelever, as shown in Fig. 2, is turned to the left, and when it issufficiently depressed the wheel 351 is held against and engaged by thepinion 343. Motion is now communicated through the wheels 343, 351, 352,345, and 344, the rotation ofthe feedscrew is reversed, anda more rapidrotation is imparted to it. The carrier will therefore be moved backward(to the left in Fig. 1) more rapidly than it was advanced. There willordinarily be not much occasion to use the stop and reversing mechanismin recording. lt is for use in reproducing that it has been speciallydevised. The reproducer (see Fig. 1, 4, 11, 12, and 13) has a style,357,

welded or otherwise fastened to the end of a flexible strip, 358, ofthin steel-say three one-thonsandths (WSW) of an inch in thickness-so asto project beyond both edges of the saine like ahammerhead. The outerend of this style (which should be somewhat more tapering at the pointthan the recording-style) rubs over the record or tablet. The inner endpresses upon a light dat spring, 359, fastened at the lower end to theframe 360 of the reproducer. The strip 358 is soldered into a slit oftheear 361, on the spring, which by bending between the ear 361, and whereit is attached to the frame 360 allows the style and strip to be movedin or out. and thus serves to hinge the same to the said frame. Thediaphragm 362, of hard rubber about seven one-thousandths (Tgw) of aninch in thickness,is pressed against a conical seat in the face of theframe 360 by means of the spring 359, between which and said diaphragmis a little block, 363, of cork. It serves the double function ofpressing the diaphragm against its seat, and also of communicatingvibrations to it. Cork is used because it is light and conveysvibrations wel] and has sufficient friction upon the diaphragm andspring to remain in the position in which it may be placed. By leavingit to be held by friction it can be adjusted by the user to give ent orotherwise in the position which the maker or adjuster of the instrumentmay determine. Preferably it occupies a position intermediate the style,357 and the edge of the diaphragm, as shown; but it can be set directlyopposite the style. ln the former position there is a certain length ofthe spring 359 beyond the cork, which length forms a tongue with a veryhigh rate of normal vibration. l It absorbs a considerable portion ofthe small vibrations which produce scratching noises, and it thus makesthe articulation more distinct. lt also reduces somewhat the loudness ofthe sounds reproduced, but the increased distinctness more than compensates for any loss in loudness.

Another eiiect which the tonguehas is to return the style more perfectlywhen it has been pushed out by an elevation on the record. It does thisbecause its normal vibration is quicker than that of the diaphragm orbecause its amplitude of vibration is larger, or for both reasons. Itwill be understood that this springtongue is compressed by the weight ofthe reprodueer, which is sustained by the style. This weight is actuallyvery small, the frame being made, for lightness, of hard rubber, but incomparison with the strength of the springtongue itis considerable. Itwill be observed that the diaphragm is strained by the spring inaddition to the strain due to the weight oi' the reproducer. The innerend of the style 357 preferably rests in a hole or recess in the spring359, so that it is prevented from side motion bodily, although capableof rocking on the inner end as a center. The bending ofthe strip 353allows this side movement of the .the best effects; but it can besecured by cem- ICO IIO

front end of the style to take place with the greatest freedom. A bodilymovement of the style sidewise could be permitted, if desired, but astop should then be used to prevent it from being pushed off the spring359.

To protect the style and other parts of the reproducer7 a guard, 364, isfastened to the front of frame 360, and is perforated at the center forthe passage of the style. On either side of the center it is bentoutward to forni horns to support the instrument when placed facedownward on a table or flat surface.

The reproducer, consisting of the parts `just described, is mounted upona hollow standard, 365, which is hinged at the bottom to the carrier 366by means of hollow trunnions 367 ,fit-

ting in hollow uprights 368.. on said carrier.

The reprod ricer-standard 365 is provided with a thumb-piece, 369, whichcan be pressed to hold up the reproducer in placing the carrier on andremoving it from the feed'screw 334. There are front and backscrew-stops, 370 and 371, which limit the movement of the reprodueerindependently of the carrier. Thislatter is provided with a half-nut t0rest upon and engage the feed-screw, the same as the carrier of therecorder. lt is not provided with a guard to retain it on the feed-screwbecause it is considered unnecessary, particularly when a flexiblesoundfconveyer is employed, as will presently be described. It isprovided with a tail or prolongation, 37 2, which rests upon thetie-bar348, (see Fig. 4,) so that when this is depressed to stop or toreverse the feed-screw the carrier will turn to the left (the center ofgravity being on that side of the feedscrew) and automatically lift thereprodueing-style 357 from contact with the tablet 318, in or on whichthe record is formed. Vhen the tie-bar 348 is released, the springs 350raise it and turn the reproducer and its carrier to the right, so thatthe style again makes contact with the record. It will be observed thatthe pressure of the springs 35() does not force the style against therecord, because the reproducer is hinged to its carrier and only itsvery light weight comes upon the reproducing-style and the record. Onthe carrier is a brush, 373, which, when the producer is in action,bears upon the record and clears it oi' dust or shavings of wax or otherlightly-adhering matter in advance ofthe reproducingstyle.

The hollow standard 365 serves to convey sound vfrom the lenticularchamber behind the diaphragm into the uprights 368, with the in teriorol'l which the coupling 374` communieates. veyer, 375, is attached atone end, the other end being connected with an upright branch of thetube 304.. Thus the sound is conveyed from the interior of the uprights368 through the coupling 374 and sound'eonveyer 375 and tubel 364., theflexibility of said eonveyer 375 permitting the traverse of thereproducer, as well as the turning of the carrier 366 on the feed-screwThe tube 30; communicates To this coupling a iiexible sound-con withtubes 376 and 377, one at each end of the machine. A hearing-tube is ormay be attached to either or both tubes. Preferably the apparatus shownin Fig. 16 is employed. It consists of two elastic and iiexible hollowbranches, 378, each provided at the outer end with a cup, 379, attachedby a ball-and-socket joint, and a flexible sound-conveying tube, 380,for connecting both branches with the tube 376 or 377. As shown, thereis a hollow metal coupling, 381, at the free end of the flexible tube380, of such exterior diameter as to iit snugly in the tube which is toreceive it. (See Fig. 4.) This coupling is provided with a stop-coel387, which canbe turned to cut off more or less sound if thereproduction be too loud. This diminution in loudness makes thescratching noises less distracting to a person with a sensitive ear.

In use the cups 379 are placed one over each ear of the listener, theball-aud-socket joint permitting the cup to adjust itself lo his head,and the elasticity of the branches 37 drawing them with suliicieutpressure to su pport the apparatus.

The branches may be made oi hard vulcanized rubber, in order to securethe requisite flexibility and elasticity; but it is evident thatsound-conveying branches having these qualities could be constructed ofvarious materials and in various ways.

Instead of applying the tube 38() to the tube i .376 or 377, it may beconnected directly with the coupling 374, the sound-conveyer 375 beingomit-ted. This has the advantage of diminishing the length of tubebetween the reprodueer and the ear of the listener, but is open to theobjection that the reproducer is liable to be pulled from the machine byincautious movements on the part of the listener.

It may be observed that the reproduced sound may be listened to invarious ways, and that it is possible to perceive the sounds by applyingthe ear close to the reproducer it self.

Tn the modified form of rcproducer shown in Fig. 15 the style 382 ismade ot' a thin plate of sheet-steel-say three one-thousandths ol' aninch in thiekness-of the form clearly shown, fastened on edge on thespring` 359, being soldered in a slit in the ear 383, and a similar slitin the end of the metal button 384, which end projects through thespring This button bears upon the hard-rubber diaphragm 362, and serveslo communicate vibrations from the style to it.

In the form of reproducer shown iu Fig. 17 the style 390 is interposedbetween the diaphragm 362 and the dat spring 301. Near each end thestyle has a roundedshoulder, and the ends themselves are of smallerdiameter, so that they may pass through holes in the diaphragm andspring, as shown, the latter pressing upon the shoulders. The spring39,1., whose ilat side is toward the diaphragm, is attached to the strip392, which is soldered or otherwise fastened to the post393. The springIOO 391 retains the outer or operating end of the l piece 338 and tube339 are taken up by the style in place while allowing it freedom to moveendwise for impressing vibrations upon the diaphragm. Preferably itexerts a light pressure inward, tending to strain the diaphragm, as wellas maintain itself in contact with the shoulder on the style. Itsupplies the place of spring 359 of Figs. 1l and 15. The strip 392,whose edge is turned toward the diaphragm, allows the operating end ofthe style to move sidewisc. It thus supplies the place of strip of Fig.1l, and that which forms the style 332 of Fig. 15.

The construction of Fig. 17 has the advantage over the other forms thatthere is less material to be moved by the vibrations of the style.

The parts 391 and 392 can most conveniently be made from a round wire byfiling the same flat at proper points.

rlhe operation of the machine has practically been explained in theforegoing description in connection with the several parts of themachine, but an explanation will now be given ofthe opera-tion as awhole. Having prepared a hollow paper cylinder and coated itwith thepai-affine and beeswax composition, the coated cylinder SLS (which formsthe recording-tablet) is placed upon the tabletholder 305, which forthat purpose is detached at one end by releasing the catch 811, andtipped up, as indicated in dotted lilies in Fio. 5. The detached end ofthe tablet-holder is then returned to its bearings iu side piece,30l.

' Having adjusted the rest 329 of the recorder so that therecording-styleSZG projects beyond the enlargement 3" 2 the desireddistancesay five one-thousamlths (w50-U) of an inchthe recorder-carrier333 is placed on the feedscrew 334, near the left end of the same, theguard block 335 is turned under the screw, and the recorder is made torest against the recording-tablet, the weight being supported by therest 329, and the style 326 penetrating the wax coating. The ily-wheel317 is then turned, revolving the tablet-holder and tablet, and also,but at a less speed, the feed-screw 334. Since the recorder is movedlengthwise of the tablet as thelatter is revolved under it,therecording-style traces, or more specifically cuts, in the wax coatinga spiral groove whose convolutionsare closer together' than the threadsof the feed-screw. The convolutions may be eight one-thousandths (N5-m)of an inch apart. To make a speech record in or on the tablet, thespeaker places'the lower part of his face in the mouth-piece 33S andsays in a clear and moderately loud voice the words to be recorded, theiiy-wheel being kept in motion at a uniform speed of say one hundred andsixty revolutions per minute. If it be desired to mark visibly aparagraph O11 the record, it can oe done by lifting the recorder for ashort time from the record, then releasing it, and again speaking intothe mouthpiece. rlhe sonorous vibrations which the speaker impressesupon the air in the mouthdiaphragm 320 and style 326, and the lattercuts a groove in the tablet, which is correspondinglyirregular. Afterthe record has been eut over the Whole tablet, or over as much as may bedesired, the recorder is removed. The tablet is also removed and brushedto remove the wax shavings, and then,or at some future time, is replacedon the tablet-holder of the same or of a similar machine. rllhereproducer-carrier 366 is placed on the feed-screw 384, the tail 372resting on the tie-bar 348. The thumb-piece 369 of thereproducer-standard is pressed upon to keep the style 357 or 382 fromcontact with the record until the carrier has been placed on the screw.It is then released, and the reproducer, falling forward, brings thestyle into contact with the record. Preferably the grooves are so closetogether that the ridge between them tapers to an edge on top, so thatno matter where the reproducer may be placed the style will enter agroove, and being free to move sidewise will, owing to the sloping sidesof the groove, penetrate to the bottom thereof under the action ofgravity. the speed used in recording, thereproducer will follow thespiral groove cut by the recorder, and will be acted upon by theinequalities or irregularities of the record, and made to reproducesounds or sonorous vibrations similar to those which acted upon therecorder to produce said inequalities or irregularities in the groove.Each elevation as it passes under the style at irst presses the latteroutward,and, when the top oi" the elevation is reached, allows it to bereturned inward by the tension of' the diaphragm and spring, or of theVdiaphragm alone. By these alternating movements, repeated for eachascent and descent in the record, and corresponding in extent andrapidity with the length and slope of the ascent and descent, thediaphragm is thrown into vibrations corresponding in form to thesonorous vibrations which caused the irregularities or inequalities. Inaddition to these vibrations,'foreign vibrations, due to various causes,are also impressed upon the diaphragm. These should be disregarded,asfar as possible,by the listener confining his attention to thespeech-vibrations. They will (in the reproducer shown in Figs. 1l andl2) be nieasurably taken up by the vibration independently of thediaphragm 362 of the tongue formed by the end of the spring 359, whichprojects beyond the block 363.

In certain speech-sounds it is found that the diaphragm responds toosluggishly, and that in consequence of this sluggishn'ess the style,

if influenced by the diaphragm alone, will not descend to the bottom ofa depression in the groove,'but will skip across, thus cutting off moreor less of the vibration. The tongue of the spring 359 responds morereadily than the diaphragm and diminishes the danger of falsevibrations. This spring-tongue also absorbs a portion of thespeech-vibrations, thus dimin- The fly wheel being turned at aboutishing the loudness of the reproduced sound; l The terms recorder77 andreproducer but any loss in this respect will be more than balanced bythe improvement in distinctness. The vibrations of the diaphragm beingimpressed upon the air in the chamber behind the same are conveyedthrough the standard 365, the uprights 36S, the coupling 374, theflexible tube 375, the tube 304, the tube 376 or 377, the tube 330, andthe branches 37S to the ears of the listener. Should it be desired tointerrupt the reproduction for a time, the tie bar 3118 is pressedlightly, thereby withdrawing the intermediate 345 from contact with thepinion 343 and stopping the rotation of the feed-screw 334. At the sametime the reproducer-earrier 366 is allowed by the depression ofthetie-bar to turn sullicientlyto lift the reproducer-style 357 clear of'the record, the front stop, 370, coming in contact with the stand` ard365 and raising the same. Should one or more words, phrases, orsentences not be understood, the tie-bar 318 is pressed more strongly,so as to bring the wheel 351 into engagement with the pinion 343, andthereby reverse the rotation of the feedserew. When the reproducer hasbeen carried back beyond the part of'the record vfrom which thereproduction was not understood, the tie-bar 343 is released, the styleagain comes into contact with the record, and the reproduction commencesat the point to which the reproducer has been brought back. Thisrepetition of what is not understood can be made as ol'ten as desired.

Friction-wheels for communicating motion to the feed screw are preferredto cog or other toothed gearing, (which could of course be used withoutdeparting from the inventiorn) notwithstanding their liability to slip,because they run smoother and are more easily eugaged and disengaged. Aslip between the wheels causes the reproducer to be fed faster or slowerthan the spiral on the tablet permits the style to advance. Asa generalthing, there is more slip in recording than in reproducing, andconsequently the reproducer outrnns the style slightly. The style shouldbe given enough side play to compensate for this dilierence in speed;but if4 not given the only difiiculty is that the style will atlcngthslip across the ridge between the grooves, and thusl escape the actionof portion of the record, so that it may be necessary to bring back thereproducer by reversing the feed. The loudness of the reproduction islimited as desired by turning the stop-cool; 387 to the desired extent.

In the foregoing description of the machine shown in the drawings,dimensions, proportions, materials, and other details of constructionare mentioned with particularity for the purpose of enabling others morereadily to make and use the new improvements, and not as limitations ofthe said improvements, since it is obvious that modifications can bemade in details without departing from the spirit of the invention, andthat parts of the invention can be used separately.

as used herein include simply means (a style, for example) for actingupon a tablet to form a sound-record, or being acted upon by asound-record, in connection with means whereby sonorous vibrations canbe impressed upon the recording-style or its substitute, or can bereceived from the reproducing-style orits substitute, and such frame orsupport as may be necessary to an operative device. As hereinafteremployed, they mean a recorder or reproducer ot any ordinary or suitabledcscription unless a special l'orm is mentioned, or is necessarilyimplied from the connection in which the recorder or reproducer is used.For example, some forms of recorder and reproducer would not be suitablefor use with a wax-coated tablet. In like lnauner other terms-such astablet, tablet holder, carrien sound conveyer, gearing, &c.-refer todevices of any ordinary or suitable description, except as otherwiseindicated. f

The present inv( ntiou is to be considered as an improvement upon ormodification of what is shown and described in the application forLetters Patent of C! A. Bell and myself, filed June 27, 1885, andofficially numbered 170,014., so far as they relate to common features,and no claim is made herein to any matter describtd and shown in thatapplication.

Having now fully described my said invention and the manner in which thesame is or may be carried int-o effect, what I claim isl. Arecording-tabletforaphonograph, consisting ot' a hollow cylinderprovided 'with a wax or waxlike coating for receiving the 'sound-record,substantially as described.

2. A recording-tablet consisting of a hollow cylinder ol" paper providedwith a wax or waxlike coating, substantially as described.

3. The recording-tablet consisting of ahollow paper cylinder coated witha composition of beeswax and paraihne, substantially as described.

4. A tubular self-sustaining tablet for recording sounds or sonorousvibrations, substantially as described.

5. In a phonograph and in combination with a sound recorder orreproducer and operating mechanism for causing the said recorder orreproducer to trace a spiral line on the tablet, an elongatedcylindrical tablet-holder supported and journaled so that the tubulartablet can be placed on the same, substantially as described.

6. The combination, with a tubular tablet, of the tablet-holder forsupporting and rotating the same, substantially as described.

7. A tabletholder j ournaled in bearings at both ends and detachablefrom its support at least at one end, so that a tubular tablet can beslipped over thesame, in combination with a sound recorder orreproducer, and operating mechanism for causing the said recorder orreproducer to trace a spiral line on the tablet, substantially asdescribed.

IOO

IZO

8. A tablet-holder detachably connected with its support at one end andprovided at the other end with a ball-and-socket bearing, or bearingwhich permits the said holder to be tilted for placing a tubular tableton the same, in combination with a sound recorder or reproducer andoperating mechanism for causing said recorder or reproducer to traceaspiral line on the tablet, substantially as described.

9. The combination, with the tablet-holder, the side piece or support atone end of the same, and the cap therefor, of the catch or fastening forsaid cap and the spring for moving tlieaablet-holder when the catch isreleased, substantially as described.

10. The combination, with the tablet holder and the ball-and-socketbearing or bearing for permitting the holder to be tilted, of t-hesupport and cap at the opposite end ot' said holder, the catch orfastening for said cap,and the spring lifting the `journal from saidsupport when the catch or fastening is released, substantially asdescribed.

11. The combinatiomwith the tablet-holder, ol' the box orsleeve ononejournalofthe same,

the support and cap forming the bearing forsaid box or sleeve, and thecatch or fastening for the cap, substantially as described.

12. The combination,with the tabletholder, of the box or sleeve held onone journal of the same, the support and cap forming a bearing for saidbox or sleeve, and the spring whose pressure acts against said box orsleeve, substantially as described.

13. The combination, with the tablet-holder, of the ball-journal andsocket-bearing at one end of said holder, the box or sleeve on the`journal at the opposite end of said holder,and the bearing for thesame, substantially as described.

14. The combination, with the tablet-h older, the sonnd-rccorder,and thefeed screw,of gearing between said holder and feed-screw for revolvingthe latter at a slower speed t-han the former, substantially asdescribed.

15. The combination,with the tablet-holder, sound recorder orreproducer, feed-screw, and gearing for revolving the screw, of thecarrier for the recorder or reprodncer provided with a divided orpartial nutfor engaging said screw, substantially as described.

16. The combination, with the feed-screw and the carrier for engagingthe same, of the movable guard for retaining the carrier in engagementwith the screw, substantially as described.

17. The combination, witha feed-screw and a sound recorder orrcproducer, of the carrier for the sound recorder or reproducer engagedand also supported by said screw, substaniially as described.

18. The combination, with afeed-screw and a sound recorder orreproducer, of the carrier for the recorder or reproducer movablelengthwise of and engaged by said screw and capable of turning on thesame as on a jonrnal, substantially as described.

19. The combination, with a tablet and a tablet-holder, of thefeed-screw, a carrier mounted on said screw, and the recorder supportedon said carrier and resting against the tablet, substantially asdescribed.

20. The combination,with the tablet-holder, feed-screw, and gearingbetween the same, of the hinged frame upheld by spring-pressure and thedevices connected therewith for putting the feed-screw out of actionwhen the said frame is depressed, substantially as described.

21. The combination, with a tablet-holder, feed-screw, and gearingbetween the two, of the hinged frame upheld by spring-pressure andreversing mechanism connected with said frame for reversing the rotationof the feedscrew relatively to the rotation of the tabletholder.substantially as described.

22. The combination, with a tablet-holder, a feed-screw, gearing, and aninstrument-the reprodncer, for exampleengaged by said screw, of stopmechanism for putting the feedscrew out ot action and at the same timelifting the instrument clear of the tablet, substantially as described.

23. The combination, with a tablet, a tablet-holder, a feed-screw,gearing, and an instrument-the reproducer, for exampleengaged by saidscrew, of reversing` mechanism for reversing the rotation ot thefeed-screw, the said mechanism being connected with said instrument, sothat the latter will be lifted clear ofthe tablet on the reversal of thefeedscrew, substantial] y as described.

24. The combination, with the tablet and the recorder held against thesame by yielding pressure, of a rest bearing on said tablet forsupporting the recorder, substantially as described.

25. The combination, with the recorder frame and style and the meanswhereby sonorous vibrations are impressed upon the style,of the restattached to said frame and arranged close to said style, the latterprojecting beyond the rest to act upon the recording-tablet,substantially as described.

2G. The combination, with the recorder, of the adjustable rest attachedto said recorder for bearing upon the recording tablet, substantially asdescribed.

27. The combination, with the recordingstyle, the recorder-frame,and themeans whereby vibrations are impressed upon the style,of the restattached to said frame and adjustable lengthwise of said style,substantially as described.

28. The combination, with the recorderframe and the rest attachedthereto, of the diaphragm and the recording-style lnounted directly onsaid diaphragm, substantially as described. v

29. r[he combination, with the diaphragm, of the cutting-style formed ofa wire sharpened at its outer end and carried by said diaphragm so as tovibrate with the same, subl thin metal strip breadthwise of the samelike stantially as described.

30. The combination, with the diaphragm, of the cutting-style providedwith a screwthreaded shank, and the nut and washer for securing the sameto the diaphragm, substantially as described.

3l. rIhc combination,with a recorder having a cutting-style, of the restfor bearing upon the recordinglablet, substantially as described.

32. The combinatioinwith the tablet having a wax or waX.-like coating toreceive the record, of the recorder pressed toward the tablet byyielding pressure and provided with a cutting-style and the rest forbearing upon the tablet and supporting said pressure, substantially asdescribed.

33. rlhe combination, with the recorder, of the soinid-coneentratorcomprising a flaring mouth-piece and a tapering tube forming acontinuation of the same, substantiallyas described.

84. The combination, with the recorder, of the sound'eoncentratorcomprising a mouthpiece ot' elliptical form and a tapering tube forminga continuation of the same, substantially as described.

35. The combination, with the reproducer, of the brush for clearing therecord in advance of the reproducer, substantially as described.

36. The combination, with the recording tablet having a wax or wax-likecoating in which the record is cut, of the reproducer and the brush forclearing the record in advance of the reproducer, substantially asdescribed.

37. A recording-tablet consisting of a hollow cylinder provided with awax or wax-like coating and having a sound-record cut in said coating.substantially as described.

38. The combination, with the tablet and Y -tablet-lioldcr, of theleed-screw, the gearing,

the reproduccr-carrier,and the brush,substan tially as described.

39. A reproducer having a ilexiblc or ilexibly-mounted style movablesidewise independently of the diaphragm or device to which the stylecomn'lunieates vibration, substantially as described.

40. A reproducer having the style attached to or in one piece with acomparatively broad and thin strip placed on edge, said style inconsequence of the flexibility of said strip being movable sidewiseindependently of the diaphragm or device to which the style communicatesvibration, but in consequence of the breadth of said strip beingpractically rigid to pressures in other directions, substantially asdescribed.

4l. The combination, with the reproducerstyle and diaphragm or device towhich said style is to communicate vibrations, of a comparatively broadand thin strip placed on edge and attached to or in one piece with saidstyle, said strip being hinged to the frame, so that the style may bevibratcd in the plane of said strip, substantially as described.

42. In a reproducer, the style attached to a a hammer-l1ead,substantially as described.

43. rlihe reproducer-style attached to or in one piece with a broad andthin strip, in combination with a diaphragm or device upon which thereproduced sonorous vibrations are to be impressed and a spring carryingsaid style and strip, and serving as a hinge to per mit them to vibrate,substantially as described.

44. The combination, with the reproducerstyle and the diaphragm ordevice upon which the reproduced sonorous vibrations are to be move thestyle away from the diaphragm, subi stantially as described.

46. In combination with a diaphragm, a frame having a concave seat forsaid diaphragm, the walls of said seat Vconverging to y an opening inthe back, through which the sound may escape, substantially asdescribed.

47. The combination, with the diaphragm and the frame having a concaveseat for said diaphragm, ot' a spring for holding the diaphragm to itsseat and for straining the same, substantially as described. v

48. The combination, with the diaphragm, its supporting-frame, and thestyle, of the spring for straining said diaphragm, substantially asdescribed.

49. rlhe combination, with the diaphragm and its supportiugh-ame, ofthespring press ing inward on said diaphragmand the style carried by.saidspring, substantially as described.V

50. The combination, with the diaphragm and its frame, of the springprojecting over said diaphragm, the block between the spring anddiaphragm, and the style bearing upon the spring beyond said block,substantially as described.

5l. The combination, with the reproducerstyle, of the hard-rubberdiaphragm and the frame for supporting said diaphragm at the edges,substantially as described.

52. The combination, with a diaphragm and its frame, of a springprojecting overrsaid diaphragm, a style carried by said spring, and ablock between the diaphragm and sp ring, adj ustablelengthwise of thelatter, sub stantially as described.

53. The combination, with the reproducer, of the guard fastened over theface of the same, substantially as described.

54. The reproducer provided with a guard fastened over the face of thesame, and curved ICO IIO

to form horns upon which the reprodncer may rest, substantially asdescribed.

55. The double earpiece, comprising the elastic and Aflexible hollowbranches provided each with a cup connected with the branch by aball-and-socket joint, substantially as described.

56. The combination, with the reproducer and the carrier therefor andthe feed-screw for moving theln, of a sound-conveying tube on themachine-frame and a flexible sound-conveyer between the reprodueer andille said tube, substantially as described.

--57. The combination, with the reproducer, ofthe double ear-piececomprising the elastic and ilexiblc hollow branches and the cups jointedto the ends of said branches, substantially as described.

58. The combination, with the feed-screw and the reproducer-carriersupported and capable of turning on said screw, of the reproducer hingedto said carrier and a stop for lifting the rcproducer when the carrieris turned in the proper direction, substantially as described.

59. The combination, with the feed-screw and the reproducer-carrierengaging and capable of turning on said screw and provided with anextension or tail, of a movable bar under said tail for upholding thesame, so that by depressing1 said bar the carrier can be turned and liftthe reprodneer from the lablet, substantially as described. Y

60. The combination of the feed-screw, the reproducer-carrier mountedthereon and provided with an extension or tail, and the bar under saidtail for upholding` the same, substantially as described.

Gl.. rlhe combination, with the reproducercarrier, of the reprodueermounted on a standard hinged to said carrier, said standard beingprovided with a thun'lb-piece or device, whereby the reproducer can beheld up in placing the reprodueer on and in removing it from themachine, substantially as described.

(52. rlhe combination, with the tablet, tablet -holder, feed-screw,gearing, reproducer, and reproducer-carrier, of the mechanism forYfstantially as described.

controlling the rotation of said feed-screw, the same being connectedwith said carrier so as to lift the reproducer from the tablet whenoperated to stop or to reverse the rotation of said screw, substantiallyas described.

G3. The combination, with the tablet-holder and the feed-screw, of thegearing for rotating the feed-screw in the forward direction, the hingedframe for disengaging said gearing when moved a certain distance, andadditional wheels connected with said frame, so as by a further movementto engage said wheels and reverse the rotation of said screw, sub- 64.The combination, with the sound recorder or reproducer, the tablet, thetabletholder, the feed-screw, the gearing for rotating the same in aforward direction, the gearing for rotating the same backward at agreater speed, and mechanism for bringing the latter into action,substantially as described.

($5. The combination, with the reproducer and a conveying tube for thereproduced sounds, of a stop-cock in said tube for moderating at willthe loudness of the sounds to be conveyed to the ear, substantially asdescribed.

GG. The herein-described improved recording and reproducing machine,comprising the following elements in combination: ahollow cylindricalself sustaining tablet, a tabletholder journaled and hinged at one endto the machine-frame and journaled and detachabl y connected with saidframe at the other, afeed screw, gearing for rotating the said screw ineither direction according to the wheels engaged, a hinged frame Yforcontrolling the rotation of said screw, and the recording andreproducing instruments with their carriers, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed the foregoing specilication in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

SUMNER TAINTER.

Nitnessesz PHILIP MAURO, C. J. HEDRICK.

